“First I was driving and the next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital with people around me, learning I had short-term memory loss,” recalls 47-year-old Shannon Cadena.
That 2009 head-on crash changed everything. “They said my head hit the steering wheel,” she explained. “After the police report, I walked home, laid down and then my mom couldn’t wake me up.” The impact left Shannon with lasting injuries and short-term memory loss, which added new challenges on top of already living with lupus, bipolar disorder and depression.
“I ended up with short-term memory loss,” she said. “They told me it would be for the rest of my life because of the swelling.”
Finding Mental Health and Employment Support Through Monarch
Shannon has been connected to Monarch for many years but after the accident, she became more deeply involved in services that helped her rebuild stability and confidence. She currently receives counseling and participates in Monarch’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program — a service that helps people living with mental health challenges or disabilities prepare for, find and succeed in meaningful jobs while receiving ongoing support to reach their goals.
“IPS didn’t just help me find a job, they helped me believe in myself,” Shannon said. “They taught me how to do resumes, what to say in interviews and helped me find jobs that fit me.”
Finding Value and Support at Work
In February 2025, Shannon started working at Wingstop in High Point, where she quickly became a valued member of the team. Unfortunately, the distance to her store location and transportation became a barrier. When her manager was made aware of the possibility of losing Shannon to another location, they stepped up to make sure that wouldn’t happen. “When I had transportation problems, I thought I’d have to transfer,” she said. “Instead, Wingstop gave me a raise and is helping me get a Lyft card. I was shocked by how much they valued me.”
With support from IPS, Shannon found the confidence to advocate for herself in order to maintain the position she loves.
Building Confidence and Independent Living Through IPS
Beyond her success at work, Shannon is thriving in her personal life. With guidance from her IPS Employment Peer Mentor, Kayla Robert, Lead Employment Support Professional Sharman Few and connections to community resources, Shannon secured her own apartment. This is the first time she’s ever lived independently and it was made possible through her own determination with the support from her entire IPS team as a resource.
“Being able to go back to work despite my disability and finally being on my own for once — that’s what I’m most proud of,” Shannon said. “I love living on my own. I have my own rules and I can decorate however I want!”
For Shannon, the progress she’s made feels life-changing. “Even when I felt like nothing was going right for me, Kayla was there,” she said. “I’m more than grateful for having her in my life to support me and help me become more self-sufficient.”
A Bond Built on Trust
Their connection is more than professional — it’s personal. “Kayla isn’t just my mentor, she’s my friend,” Shannon shared. “She encourages me, teaches me coping skills and keeps me grounded when things get hard.”
Kayla shares the same admiration. “Shannon has come a long way,” she said. “When I first started working with her, her mom had just passed and she was dealing with a lot of grief. Watching her come out of her bubble and become self-sufficient has been incredible.”
“She’s always been motivated and determined,” Kayla added. “I’ve never had to micromanage her — she just wanted to work, be independent and find her own normal.”
Looking Ahead: The Lasting Impact of the Monarch IPS Program
Shannon says the IPS program has been key to helping her stay focused and confident. “Don’t let your fears overtake you,” she advised. “Try not to get overwhelmed and listen to what your IPS mentor says. They’re there to help you see what you can do better with your life.”
Kayla agrees that IPS is more than employment support — it’s empowerment. “IPS is amazing. It’s a phenomenal program,” she said. “We all love helping people and watching them grow. It can sometimes be a slow process, but you’ll get there when you stay dedicated.”
Shannon’s journey reflects courage, growth and the strength of connection. Her story demonstrates that with the right support and determination, independence isn’t just within reach; it’s achievable and can be the start of a beautiful new chapter.